JP5495365B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine configured to be able to select the strength of a water flow during a washing stroke or a rinsing stroke.

  As a washing machine of this type, for example, a washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a rotatable stirring body at the bottom of a rotating tub disposed so that the axial direction is a vertical direction. And a water flow is produced | generated in the water in a rotation tank by rotating this stirring body. The strength of the generated water flow can be selected by operating the water flow strengthening switch or the water flow weakening switch.

  Further, for example, in the water washing machine described in Patent Document 2, swing washing in which a drum disposed so that the axial direction is in a lateral direction is swung at a constant angle (255 °), and the drum is fixed in a normal rotation direction. A cleaning pattern can be selected by combining an angle (255 °) and tapping which is repeatedly rotated at a constant angle (615 °) in the reverse direction.

Japanese Patent No. 3145056 Japanese Patent No. 3192738

  The washing machine of patent document 1 is a vertical axis type washing machine in which the axial direction of the rotating tub is the vertical direction. Since such a washing machine mainly washes laundry by a water flow, a large amount of water is set during the washing process or during the rinsing process. Therefore, the strength of the water flow can be easily changed by controlling the rotation of the stirring body.

  However, a drum-type washing machine in which the axial direction of the rotating tub (drum) is in the horizontal direction is mainly washed by scooping and dropping the laundry, so that the amount of water during the washing process and the rinsing process is vertical. It is set less than the shaft type washing machine. Further, the drum type washing machine is not provided with a component corresponding to the stirring body. For these reasons, the technique of Patent Document 1 cannot be applied to a drum-type washing machine as it is.

  In addition, in a drum type washing machine, the weight of the laundry is detected before the start of the washing process, and depending on the detection result, the drum rotation strength is generated according to the drum rotation strength. The strength of the water flow to be set is set. However, the strength of the water flow set according to the weight detection result is determined by the user's request (for example, a desire to increase the water flow because there is much dirt on the laundry, and there is little or no dirt on the laundry. It is not possible to change it according to the desire to weaken the water flow because it is a laundry with no cloth quality. For this reason, a configuration in which the user can adjust the strength of the water flow is required.

  Here, if the technique of the cited document 2 which can select a washing pattern is applied to a drum-type washing machine, it can be considered that a configuration in which the user can adjust the strength of the water flow can be realized. However, although the washing machine of the cited document 2 can select a cleaning pattern by combining rocking washing and tapping, it can be selected because the rocking angle in rocking washing and the rotation angle in tapping are constant. The cleaning pattern is limited.

  For this reason, even if the technique of Patent Document 2 is applied to a drum-type washing machine, the user can select only a limited cleaning pattern and cannot sufficiently satisfy the user's request. In Cited Document 2, the rocking angle in rocking washing is set to any constant angle (255 °) of 270 ° or less, and the rotation angle in tap washing is set to any constant angle (615 °) of 630 ° or less. However, it is not configured to allow the user to adjust the swing angle and rotation angle once set.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and the object thereof is to provide a rotating tub disposed so that the axial direction is the lateral direction, and the user adjusts the strength of the water flow. It is to provide a washing machine that can.

The washing machine according to claim 1 of the present invention is a water tank capable of storing water disposed so that the axial direction is a horizontal direction, and is rotatably disposed in the water tank so that the axial direction is a horizontal direction. And a water flow control means for generating a water flow in the water in the water tank by swinging the rotation tank, and the water flow generated by the water flow control means is operated by a user. Selection means for selecting the strength of the water flow, and the water flow control means sets the swing range of the rotary tank in the washing stroke or the rinsing stroke to the strength of the water flow selected via the selection means. It is characterized in that the strength of the water flow can be adjusted to be stronger than the standard and weaker than the standard by changing it accordingly.

In addition, the washing machine according to claim 2 of the present application is disposed in a water tub capable of storing water so that the axial direction is in the horizontal direction, and rotatably disposed in the water tank so that the axial direction is in the horizontal direction. A rotating tank provided; water flow control means for generating a water flow in the water in the water tank by rotating the rotary tank; and the water flow generated by the water flow control means, operated by a user. Selection means for selecting the strength of the water flow, the water flow control means according to the strength of the water flow selected via the selection means, the rotational speed of the rotating tank in the washing or rinsing process The strength of the water flow can be adjusted to be stronger than the standard and weaker than the standard .

  According to the washing machine of the present invention, in the one provided with the rotating tub arranged so that the axial direction is the lateral direction, the water flow control means is the swing range of the rotating tub in the washing stroke or the rinsing stroke, or The rotation speed is changed according to the strength of the water flow selected through the selection means operated by the user, and thereby, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium can be adjusted. . Thus, the user can adjust the strength of the water flow through the selection means.

The 1st Embodiment of this invention is shown, and the figure for demonstrating the operation | movement content when adjusting the strength of a water flow Longitudinal side view showing internal structure of washing machine Diagram showing the operation panel FIG. 1 equivalent diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention The figure which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention and shows the relationship between the time in a washing process, and the rotational speed of a drum. The figure which shows the 4th Embodiment of this invention and shows the relationship between ON time and OFF time. The figure which shows the 5th Embodiment of this invention and shows the operation | movement which a control apparatus performs in the washing process.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
FIG. 2 schematically shows an internal configuration of the drum type washing machine 1. A laundry doorway 2 and a door 3 for opening and closing the laundry doorway 2 are provided at a substantially central portion on the front side (left side in FIG. 2) of the outer box 1a constituting the outer shell of the washing machine 1. An operation panel 4 is provided on the front upper portion of the outer box 1a. A control device 5 (corresponding to water flow control means) is provided on the back side of the operation panel 4 in the outer box 1a. The control device 5 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 in addition to the water flow control described later.

  A water tank 6 is disposed in the outer box 1a. The water tank 6 has a bottomed cylindrical shape that is open on the front side (left side in FIG. 2) and closed on the back side, and can store water therein. The aquarium 6 is an aspect in which the central axis is substantially in the horizontal direction, and specifically, in an aspect of a horizontal axis inclined so that the central axis is slightly raised toward the front (slightly lowered toward the rear), The suspension 7 is elastically supported in the outer box 1a.

  A washing machine motor 8 is provided outside the back surface of the water tank 6. The washing machine motor 8 is composed of, for example, a DC brushless motor, is an outer rotor type, and includes a stator 8a and a rotor 8b. The stator 8 a is attached to the outside of the back surface portion of the water tank 6. A rotating shaft 8c is provided at the center of the rotor 8b. The rotating shaft 8c is supported by a bearing bracket 9 via a bearing 10 and is inserted into the water tank 6.

  In the water tank 6, a bottomed cylindrical drum 11 (corresponding to a rotating tank) whose front side is open and whose back side is closed is provided. The drum 11 has a central portion on the back connected to the tip of the rotating shaft 8 c of the washing machine motor 8, and is arranged coaxially with the water tub 6 inside the water tub 6. Accordingly, the drum 11 also has an aspect in which the central axis is substantially in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the drum 11 has a horizontal axis shape that is inclined so that the central axis is slightly raised toward the front (slightly lowered toward the rear). In this manner, the water tank 6 is rotatably disposed. The washing machine motor 8 functions as a drive device that rotates the drum 11.

A large number of holes 12 are formed in the peripheral wall (body portion) of the drum 11 over the entire area. A plurality of baffles 13 for scooping up the laundry are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral portion of the drum 11. These baffles 13 meander and extend in the front-rear direction along the axis of the water tank 6 (drum 11), and protrude toward the rotation center side of the drum 11. A liquid-sealed rotary balancer 15 is provided. The front opening of the water tub 6 is connected to the laundry entrance 2 by a bellows 17 made of an annular elastic material (for example, rubber). As a result, the laundry doorway 2 is connected to the inside of the water tank 6 through the bellows 17.

  A drain port 18 that also serves as a water intake is formed at the bottom of the rear surface of the water tank 6. One end of an in-machine drain hose 19 is connected to the drain port 18. The other end of the in-machine drain hose 19 is connected to the in-machine drain hose connection port 21 of the filter case 20 provided at the front of the bottom in the outer box 1a.

  The filter case 20 has an in-machine drain hose connection port 21 formed at the top, and a cap 22 attached to the front end. A lint filter (not shown) integral with the cap 22 is housed inside the filter case 20. A drain valve 23 is connected to the lower part of the filter case 20, and a drain pipe 24 is connected to the outlet of the drain valve 23. The tip of the drainage pipe 24 faces the outside of the machine from the bottom in the outer box 1a, and is connected to an outside drainage hose (not shown).

  On the other hand, a circulation pump 25 is provided at the rear end of the filter case 20. The circulation pump 25 sucks water in the water tank 6 (drum 11) through the drain port 18, the in-machine drain hose 19 and the filter case 20. In the circulation pump 25, a discharge port 26 is formed in a peripheral side portion (upper part in the drawing), and one end portion of a water supply hose 27 is connected to the discharge port 26. The water supply hose 27 has an intermediate portion that extends upward from the circumferential side of the bellows 17, and a tip portion that is connected to a fountain nozzle 28 formed at the upper part of the opening of the water tank 6. The fountain nozzle 28 is attached so as to fountain particularly in the latter half of the inside of the drum 11.

  With such a configuration, a circulation path 30 communicating with the inside of the water tank 6 so as to connect the drain port 18 and the fountain nozzle 28 is formed. That is, the circulation path 30 is formed so as to return from the drain port 18 of the water tank 6 to the water tank 6 via the in-machine drain hose 19, the filter case 20, the water supply hose 27, and the fountain nozzle 28, and the circulation pump 25 is connected to the circulation path. 30 so as to be located in the middle.

  The circulation pump 25 sucks the water in the water tank 6 from the drain port 18 into the filter case 20 through the in-machine drain hose 19, pumps the water flowing into the filter case 20, and passes through the water hose 27. The water is then discharged from the fountain nozzle 28 into the drum 11 in a shower shape. In this way, the circulation pump 25 circulates the water in the water tank 6 through the circulation path 30.

  An air trap 31 is provided in the upper part of the front portion of the filter case 20. The air trap 31 is connected to a water level sensor 32 disposed at the top of the outer box 1a by an air tube 33. The water level sensor 32 detects the water level in the water tank 6 through the in-machine drain hose 19, the filter case 20, the air trap 31 and the air tube 33.

  A water supply valve 34 and a water supply case 35 are provided at the top of the outer box 1a. An external water supply hose (not shown) connected to a faucet (not shown) is connected to the inlet of the water supply valve 34. One end of a connection pipe 36 is connected to the outlet of the water supply valve 34. The other end of the connection pipe 36 is connected to the water supply case 35. A washing agent charging case (not shown) is accommodated inside the water supply case 35. One end of an in-machine water supply hose 37 is connected to the water supply case 35, and the other end of the in-machine water supply hose 37 is connected to the upper part of the water tank 6. With such a configuration, water supplied from the water supply through the water supply valve 34 is supplied into the water tank 6 through the connection pipe 36, the water supply case 35, and the in-machine water supply hose 37.

  Next, the configuration of the operation panel 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation panel 4 includes various switches that are manually operated by the user (power-on switch 41a, power-off switch 41b, operation course selection switches 42a to 42d for selecting various operation courses, and start or pause operation. For example, a start / pause switch 43) and a liquid crystal display unit 44 for displaying setting contents, operating conditions, and the like.

  Further, the operation panel 4 is provided with a water flow selection switch 45 (corresponding to selection means) that is manually operated by the user. This water flow selection switch 45 is for selecting the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 (in the drum 11) as the drum 11 rotates during the washing process or the rinsing process. In this case, five levels (weak, slightly weak, standard, slightly strong, strong) are provided as selectable water flow strengths, and the water flow is selected according to the number of times the user operates the water flow selection switch 45. The strength of is changed one step at a time. Note that five light emitting units 46a to 46e having different sizes depending on the strength of the water flow are provided above the water flow selection switch 45, and the light emitting units 46a to 46e corresponding to the selected strength of the water flow. 46e lights up or blinks.

  When the set operation course is started, the control device 5 of the washing machine 1 having the above configuration sequentially executes a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydrating process, a drying process, and the like. Next, the control content by the control apparatus 5 in the washing process of various driving courses will be described.

  When the washing process starts, the control device 5 supplies a predetermined amount of water into the water tank 6. When the control device 5 detects that a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the water tank 6 via the water level sensor 32, the controller 5 swings the drum 11 by the washing machine motor 8, thereby 11) water flow is generated in the water, and the laundry is washed by this water flow. At this time, the control device 5 changes the swing range R (see FIG. 1) of the drum 11 in the washing process according to the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45, thereby The strength of the water flow generated in the water in the drum 11) is adjusted.

Here, the operation when adjusting the strength of the water flow will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A, when the strength of the water flow selected through the water flow selection switch 45 is “weak”, the control device 5 sets the swing range R of the drum 11 to 20 °. Set and rotate. In this case, since the swing range R of the drum 11 is small, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is weak. Further, the laundry in the drum 11 gradually passes through the water in the water tank 6. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a weak water flow.

  In this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is not scraped up by the baffle 13, and therefore the laundry cannot be washed by so-called tapping (an aspect in which the laundry is washed up and dropped).

  As shown in FIG. 1B, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “slightly weak”, the control device 5 sets the swing range R of the drum 11 to 90 °. Set to Rotate. In this case, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is increased by the amount that the swing range R of the drum 11 is larger than that in the case of “weak”. In addition, the laundry in the drum 11 strongly penetrates the water in the water tank 6 by the amount that the swing range R of the drum 11 is larger than in the case of “weak”. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a stronger water flow than when the laundry is “weak”.

  In this case as well, the laundry in the drum 11 is hardly scraped up by the baffle 13, and therefore the laundry cannot be washed by so-called tapping.

  As shown in FIG. 1C, when the strength of the water flow selected through the water flow selection switch 45 is “standard”, the control device 5 sets the swing range R of the drum 11 to 180 °. Set and rotate. In this case, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is increased by the amount that the swing range R of the drum 11 is larger than that of “slightly weak”. In addition, the laundry in the drum 11 strongly penetrates the water in the water tub 6 as much as the swing range R of the drum 11 is larger than that in the case of “slightly weak”. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a stronger water flow than in the case of “slightly weak”.

  In this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is scraped up by the baffle 13 and falls from the side of the drum 11. Therefore, in addition to the washing action of the laundry by the water flow, the washing action of the laundry by so-called tapping washing can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 1D, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “slightly strong”, the control device 5 sets the swing range R of the drum 11 to 240 °. Set to Rotate. In this case, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is increased by the amount that the swing range R of the drum 11 is larger than in the “standard” case. In addition, the laundry in the drum 11 strongly penetrates the water in the water tub 6 by the amount that the swing range R of the drum 11 is larger than that in the “standard” case. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a stronger water flow than in the case of “standard”.

  Further, in this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is scraped up by the baffle 13 higher than the “standard” case, and is strongly dropped from the upper side of the drum 11. Accordingly, in addition to the effect of the washing action of the laundry by the water flow becoming stronger than in the case of “standard”, the effect of the washing action of the laundry by so-called tapping washing becomes stronger than in the case of “standard”.

  As shown in FIG. 1E, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “strong”, the control device 5 sets the swing range R of the drum 11 to 300 °. Set and rotate. In this case, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is increased by the amount that the swing range R of the drum 11 is larger than that of “slightly strong”. In addition, the laundry in the drum 11 strongly penetrates the water in the water tub 6 by the amount that the swing range R of the drum 11 is larger than that in the case of “slightly strong”. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a stronger water flow than in the case of “slightly strong”.

  Further, in this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is scooped up by the baffle 13 higher than the case of “slightly strong”, and the laundry is strongly dropped from the vicinity of the uppermost portion of the drum 11 (the peripheral portion of the uppermost portion). Therefore, in addition to the effect of the washing action of the laundry by the water flow becoming stronger than the case of “slightly strong”, the effect of the washing action of the laundry by so-called tapping washing is stronger than that of the case of “slightly strong”. Become.

  In addition, the control apparatus 5 is comprised so that the control content in the washing process mentioned above can be performed also in a rinse process. That is, the control device 5 changes the swinging range R of the drum 11 in the rinsing process according to the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45, so that the water in the water tank 6 (drum 11) is changed. It is configured to be able to adjust the strength of the water flow that is generated.

  Further, the control device 5 determines the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 when the water flow selection switch 45 is operated and the strength of the water flow is changed during the washing process or the rinsing process. However, the swing (swing range R) of the drum 11 is controlled so that the strength of the water flow after the change is obtained.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the washing machine 1 including the drum 11 disposed so that the axial direction is substantially the lateral direction, the control device 5 is configured to perform the drum 11 in the washing process or the rinsing process. Is changed according to the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 operated by the user, thereby adjusting the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6. It is configured to be possible. Therefore, the user can adjust the strength of the water flow through the water flow selection switch 45.

  Further, when the strength of the selected water flow is “weak” or “slightly weak”, the swing range R of the drum 11 is reduced. Therefore, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is weak, the laundry is not scraped up by the baffle 13, and so-called tapping is not performed. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for washing a cloth-like laundry (for example, a sweater or a muffler) that does not want to be damaged or a case where there is little dirt on the laundry.

  On the other hand, when the strength of the selected water flow is “standard”, “slightly strong”, or “strong”, the swing range R of the drum 11 is increased. Therefore, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is strong, and the laundry is scraped up by the baffle 13 and so-called tapping is performed. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for a case where there is a lot of dirt on the laundry, or for washing a hard cloth-like laundry (for example, jeans).

Note that the value of the swing range R of the drum 11 is not limited to the above-described value, and can be appropriately changed within 360 °, preferably within a range of 20 ° to 300 °.
Moreover, the strength of the water flow that can be selected is not limited to five levels. For example, three levels of strength less than five levels may be provided, or ten levels of strength greater than five levels may be provided.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the rotation speed V of the drum 11 in the washing process or the rinsing process is changed in accordance with the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45, whereby the water in the water tank 6 (drum 11) is It is constructed so that the strength of the water flow generated can be adjusted.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “weak”, the control device 5 sets the rotation speed V of the drum 11 to 20 rpm. Rotate. In this case, since the rotational speed V of the drum 11 is small, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is weak. Further, the laundry in the drum 11 gradually passes through the water in the water tank 6. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a weak water flow.

  In this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is gently scraped up by the baffle 13 and falls. Therefore, in addition to the washing action of the laundry by the water flow, the washing action of the laundry by so-called tapping washing can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, when the strength of the water flow selected through the water flow selection switch 45 is “slightly weak”, the control device 5 sets the rotation speed V of the drum 11 to 30 rpm. And rotate. In this case, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is increased by an amount corresponding to the increase in the rotation speed V of the drum 11 as compared with the case where the rotation speed V is “weak”. Further, the laundry in the drum 11 passes through the water in the aquarium 6 by the amount that the rotational speed V of the drum 11 is higher than that in the case of “weak”. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a stronger water flow than when the laundry is “weak”.

  Further, in this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is scraped and dropped by the baffle 13 faster than in the case of “weak”. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the washing action of the laundry by the water flow becoming stronger than in the case of “weak”, the effect of the washing action of the laundry by so-called tapping washing becomes stronger than in the case of “weak”.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “standard”, the control device 5 sets the rotation speed V of the drum 11 to 40 rpm. Rotate. In this case, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is increased as much as the rotational speed V of the drum 11 is higher than in the case of “slightly weak”. In addition, the laundry in the drum 11 strongly penetrates the water in the water tub 6 as much as the rotational speed V of the drum 11 is higher than in the case of “slightly weak”. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a stronger water flow than in the case of “slightly weak”.

  Further, in this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is scraped and dropped by the baffle 13 faster than in the case of “slightly weak”. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the washing action of the laundry by the water flow becoming stronger than in the case of “slightly weak”, the effect of the washing action of the laundry by so-called tap washing is stronger than in the case of “slightly weak”. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 4D, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “slightly strong”, the control device 5 sets the rotation speed V of the drum 11 to 50 rpm. And rotate. In this case, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is increased by the amount that the rotational speed V of the drum 11 is higher than in the case of “standard”. In addition, the laundry in the drum 11 strongly penetrates the water in the water tank 6 by the amount that the rotational speed V of the drum 11 is higher than in the case of “standard”. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a stronger water flow than in the case of “standard”.

  Also, in this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is scraped and dropped by the baffle 13 faster than the “standard” case. Accordingly, in addition to the effect of the washing action of the laundry by the water flow becoming stronger than in the case of “standard”, the effect of the washing action of the laundry by so-called tapping washing becomes stronger than in the case of “standard”.

  As shown in FIG. 4E, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “strong”, the control device 5 sets the rotation speed V of the drum 11 to 60 rpm. Rotate. In this case, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is increased by the amount that the rotational speed V of the drum 11 is higher than that of “slightly strong”. In addition, the laundry in the drum 11 strongly penetrates the water in the water tub 6 as much as the rotation speed V of the drum 11 is higher than in the case of “slightly strong”. Thereby, the laundry in the drum 11 is washed with a stronger water flow than in the case of “slightly strong”.

  Further, in this case, the laundry in the drum 11 is scraped and dropped by the baffle 13 faster than in the case of “slightly strong”. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the washing action of the laundry by the water flow becoming stronger than the case of “slightly strong”, the effect of the washing action of the laundry by so-called tapping washing is stronger than that of the case of “slightly strong”. Become.

  In addition, the control apparatus 5 is comprised so that the control content in the washing process mentioned above can be performed also in a rinse process. That is, the control device 5 changes the rotational speed V of the drum 11 in the rinsing process according to the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45, thereby changing the water in the water tank 6 (drum 11). The strength of the generated water flow is adjustable.

  Further, the control device 5 determines the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 when the water flow selection switch 45 is operated and the strength of the water flow is changed during the washing process or the rinsing process. However, the rotation (rotation speed V) of the drum 11 is controlled so as to be the strength of the water flow after the change.

  4 shows only one direction (the forward rotation direction of the drum 11) as the rotation speed V, but the control device 5 has a reverse rotation direction of the drum 11 (a direction opposite to the forward rotation direction). The same control is also performed for.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the washing machine 1 including the drum 11 disposed so that the axial direction is substantially the lateral direction, the control device 5 is configured to perform the drum 11 in the washing process or the rinsing process. The rotation speed V of the water tank 6 is changed according to the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 operated by the user, and thereby the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 can be adjusted. It is configured. Therefore, the user can adjust the strength of the water flow through the water flow selection switch 45.

Note that the value of the rotation speed V is not limited to the above-described value, and the rotation speed is such that the laundry does not stick to the peripheral wall of the drum 11 as the drum 11 rotates (at least during the dehydration process). The rotation speed is lower than the speed, and can be appropriately changed within a range of, for example, about 170 rpm.
Moreover, the strength of the water flow that can be selected is not limited to five levels. For example, three levels of strength less than five levels may be provided, or ten levels of strength greater than five levels may be provided.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when adjusting the strength of the water flow (see the first embodiment or the second embodiment), the acceleration time and the deceleration time when the drum 11 is further rotated are changed. is there.

  That is, the control device 5 changes the time (acceleration time) for accelerating the drum 11 to a predetermined target rotation speed (top rotation speed) according to the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45. It has become. Further, the control device 5 changes the time (deceleration time) for decelerating the drum 11 from the top rotation speed in accordance with the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45.

  Specifically, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “standard” (see the solid line A in FIG. 5), the control device 5 uses the standard acceleration time TA (for example, 2 Second) is set as the acceleration time of the drum 11, and the drum 11 is accelerated to the top rotational speed VA during the standard acceleration time TA. The control device 5 sets a standard deceleration time TD (for example, 2 seconds) as the deceleration time of the drum 11 and decelerates the drum 11 from the top rotational speed VA during the standard deceleration time TD.

  Then, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “slightly strong” (see the alternate long and short dash line B in FIG. 5), the control device 5 sets the standard acceleration time TA to the predetermined time ta1. The time (TA + ta1) added (for example, 0.1 second) is set as the acceleration time of the drum 11, and the time (TD + td1) obtained by adding the predetermined time td1 (for example, 0.1 second) to the standard deceleration time TD is set to the drum 11 It is set as the deceleration time. Thereby, the acceleration time and the deceleration time of the drum 11 are increased as compared with the case of “standard”, and the top rotation speed (refer to the symbol VB in FIG. 5) is increased accordingly. The strength of the water flow generated in the water in 6 is stronger than in the case of “standard”.

  In addition, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “strong” (see the alternate long and short dash line C in FIG. 5), the control device 5 adds the predetermined time ta2 ( For example, the time (TA + ta2) added with 0.2 second) is set as the acceleration time of the drum 11, and the time (TD + td2) obtained by adding a predetermined time td2 (for example, 0.2 second) to the standard deceleration time TD is set as the deceleration of the drum 11. It is set as time. Thereby, the acceleration time and the deceleration time of the drum 11 are increased as compared with the cases of “standard” and “slightly strong”, and the top rotation speed (refer to the reference numeral VC in FIG. 5) increases accordingly. , The strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 becomes stronger than in the case of “standard” and “slightly strong”.

  On the other hand, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “slightly weak” (see the alternate long and short dash line D in FIG. 5), the control device 5 determines the predetermined time ta3 from the standard acceleration time TA. The time obtained by subtracting (for example, 0.1 second) (TA-ta3) is set as the acceleration time of the drum 11, and the time obtained by subtracting the predetermined time td3 (for example, 0.1 second) from the standard deceleration time TD (TD-td3) Is set as the deceleration time of the drum 11. Thereby, the acceleration time and the deceleration time of the drum 11 are reduced as compared with the case of “standard”, and the top rotation speed (refer to the reference numeral VD in FIG. 5) is reduced accordingly. The strength of the water flow generated in the water in 6 is weaker than in the case of “standard”.

  In addition, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “weak” (see the alternate long and short dash line E in FIG. 5), the control device 5 starts from the standard acceleration time TA to the predetermined time ta4 ( For example, the time (TA-ta4) obtained by subtracting 0.2 seconds) is set as the acceleration time of the drum 11, and the time (TD-td4) obtained by subtracting a predetermined time td4 (for example, 0.2 seconds) from the standard deceleration time TD. The deceleration time of the drum 11 is set. Thereby, the acceleration time and the deceleration time of the drum 11 are reduced as compared with the cases of “standard” and “slightly weak”, and the top rotation speed (refer to the reference numeral VE in FIG. 5) is accordingly reduced. , The strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 becomes weaker than in the case of “standard” and “slightly weak”.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control device 5 further adjusts the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 and further accelerates and decelerates the drum 11 when rotating. Therefore, the strength of the water flow can be adjusted more accurately and accurately.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when the strength of the water flow is adjusted (see the first embodiment or the second embodiment), a time during which the drum 11 is not rotated (off time) is further provided. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the rotation control of the drum 11, the control device 5 provides a time for rotating the drum 11 (on time) and a time for not rotating the drum 11 (off time). The ON time and the OFF time are set differently according to the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45.

  Specifically, when the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “standard”, the on time is set to 20 seconds and the off time is set to 10 seconds. On the other hand, when the strength of the selected water flow is “slightly weak”, the on time is set to 15 seconds and the off time is set to 20 seconds. In this case, the time when the drum 11 rotates and the water flow is formed (on time) is 5 seconds shorter than the case of “standard”, and the time when the drum 11 does not rotate and the water flow is not formed (off time) is “standard”. "Is longer than 10 seconds. Accordingly, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is weaker than that in the case of “standard”.

  When the strength of the selected water flow is “weak”, the on time is set to 10 seconds and the off time is set to 30 seconds. In this case, the time when the drum 11 is rotated and the water flow is formed (on time) is 10 seconds shorter than the case of “standard”, and the time when the drum 11 does not rotate and the water flow is not formed (off time) is “standard”. "Is longer than 20 seconds. Accordingly, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is weaker than in the case of “standard” and “slightly weak”.

  On the other hand, when the strength of the selected water flow is “slightly strong”, the on time is set to 25 seconds and the off time is set to 5 seconds. In this case, the time when the drum 11 rotates and the water flow is formed (on time) is 5 seconds longer than the case of “standard”, and the time when the drum 11 does not rotate and the water flow is not formed (off time) is “standard”. "Is shorter than 5 seconds. Accordingly, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is stronger than that in the “standard” case.

  Further, when the strength of the selected water flow is “strong”, the on time is set to 30 seconds and the off time is set to 0 seconds. In this case, the time when the drum 11 rotates and the water flow is formed (on time) is 10 seconds longer than the case of “standard”, and the time when the drum 11 does not rotate and the water flow is not formed (off time) is “standard”. ”Is shorter than 10 seconds. In addition, in this case, the time during which the drum 11 does not rotate (off time) is 0 second, and the time during which no water flow is formed is completely eliminated. Accordingly, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is stronger than in the case of “standard” and “slightly strong”.

  That is, as the strength of the selected water flow is weaker, the on-time becomes shorter and the off-time becomes longer. In other words, the stronger the selected water flow, the longer the on-time and the shorter the off-time.

  According to the present embodiment, when the control device 5 adjusts the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6, the control device 5 further provides a time (off time) during which the drum 11 is not rotated. By setting such an off time according to the strength of the water flow, the strength of the water flow can be adjusted more finely. Further, the strength of the water flow can be adjusted more finely by setting the time (on time) for rotating the drum 11 according to the strength of the water flow.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the swinging and rotating operations of rotating the drum 11 so that the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 can be adjusted, and the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 are predetermined strength. This is a combination of a fixing operation for rotating the drum 11 so that the strength is the same as that in the case of “standard”.

  That is, when the washing process is started, the control device 5 starts a cycle including a fixed operation, a swinging operation, and a rotation operation twice during the washing process (for example, about 20 minutes). ing.

  In the fixing operation, the control device 5 controls the rotation of the drum 11 so that the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 becomes the strength in the case of “standard”. Even when the water flow selection switch 45 is operated during the fixing operation and the strength of the water flow is changed, the control device 5 has the strength of the “normal” strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6. The rotation of the drum 11 is controlled so as to remain as it is. In other words, in the fixed operation, regardless of whether or not the water flow selection switch 45 is operated, the strength of the water flow remains unchanged at a predetermined strength (in this case, “standard” strength).

  In the swinging operation, the control device 5 controls the swinging of the drum 11 so that the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 becomes the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 (first operation). 1 embodiment). When the water flow selection switch 45 is operated during the swinging operation to change the strength of the water flow, the control device 5 determines that the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is the water flow after the change. The swing of the drum 11 is controlled so as to be strong. That is, in this swinging operation, the strength of the water flow can be changed according to the operation of the water flow selection switch 45 by the user.

  In the rotation operation, the control device 5 controls the rotation of the drum 11 so that the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 becomes the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 (second operation). See embodiment). When the water flow selection switch 45 is operated during the rotation operation and the strength of the water flow is changed, the control device 5 determines that the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is the strength of the water flow after the change. Then, the rotation of the drum 11 is controlled. That is, in this rotation operation, the strength of the water flow can be changed according to the operation of the water flow selection switch 45 by the user.

Further, the control device 5 performs the cloth quality determination for determining the cloth quality of the laundry in the drum 11 in the fixing operation in the first cycle. Moreover, the control apparatus 5 performs the fabric entanglement determination which determines the entanglement state of the laundry in the drum 11 in the fixing operation in the second cycle. That is, the control device 5 performs the cloth quality determination at the initial fixing operation of the washing process in which the laundry in the drum 11 starts to get wet, and the cloth at the middle to final fixing operation of the washing process in which the laundry contains sufficient water. Tangle determination is performed. As a method for determining the fabric quality and the fabric entanglement, for example, a method for determining the fabric quality or the fabric entanglement based on the fluctuation amount of the rotation speed when the drum 11 is rotated can be employed.
In addition, the control apparatus 5 is comprised so that the control content in the washing process mentioned above can be performed also in a rinse process.

  According to the present embodiment, in the swinging operation and the rotating operation in which the strength of the water flow can be changed, the user operates the water flow selection switch 45 to wash with the strength of the water flow according to the user's request. A stroke or a rinsing stroke can be performed. Moreover, in the fixed operation in which the strength of the water flow cannot be changed, the strength of the water flow in the water tank 6 is stabilized at a predetermined strength, so that the cloth quality determination, the fabric entanglement determination, and the like can be performed accurately and accurately. .

  The strength of the water flow in the fixed operation is not limited to the “standard” strength. For example, the strength of the “weak” or “strong” strength may be used. You may enable it to set suitably through operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, one cycle is configured with a set of the fixed operation, the swinging operation, and the rotating operation, but the order and combination of the operations included in one cycle are not limited. In short, each operation may be combined so that a fixed operation in which the strength of the water flow cannot be changed is included at least once.
Further, the above-described cycle may be performed not only twice but also a plurality of times, or may be performed only once.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, when the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 is adjusted to be weak, a large amount of water is stored in the water tank 6.

  That is, when the power-on switch 41a is operated and the washing machine 1 is turned on, the control device 5 (corresponding to the water amount setting means) determines whether or not the water flow selection switch 45 is operated, that is, the strength of the water flow. Determine whether there is any adjustment. If there is no adjustment of the strength of the water flow, the control device 5 causes the drum 11 to swing (first operation) so that the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the water tank 6 becomes the “standard” strength. The washing process (rinsing process) is executed while controlling the rotation operation (see the second embodiment).

  On the other hand, when there is an adjustment of the strength of the water flow, the control device 5 determines whether or not the strength of the water flow selected via the water flow selection switch 45 is “weak” or “slightly weak”. to decide. When the strength of the selected water flow is “weak” or “slightly weak”, the control device 5 sets the water supply amount in the water tank 6 in the washing step (rinsing step) to be higher than the “standard” water supply amount. The amount of water stored in the aquarium 6 is set higher by one rank. That is, when the strength of the selected water flow is “weak” or “slightly weak”, the control device 5 performs a washing process (rinsing process) with a larger amount of water than “standard”. ing. In addition, when the intensity | strength of the selected water flow is not "weak" or "slightly weak", the control apparatus 5 performs the washing process (rinsing process), without increasing water quantity.

  According to the present embodiment, when the strength of the selected water flow is “weak” or “slightly weak”, that is, cloth-like laundry that does not want to be damaged (for example, a sweater or a muffler) is put into the drum 11. If it is estimated that the amount of water stored in the aquarium 6 is set large, the strength of the water flow generated in the water in the aquarium 6 is further reduced to execute the washing process (rinsing process). can do.

In addition, you may make it change the increase amount of the water supply amount in the water tank 6 according to the strength of the selected water flow. For example, when the strength of the selected water flow is “slightly weak”, the amount of water supplied into the aquarium 6 is increased by one rank, and when the strength of the selected water flow is “weak”, You may make it raise the water supply amount to 2 ranks.
Further, the amount of water supplied into the aquarium 6 may be increased only when the strength of the selected water flow is a specific strength (for example, “weak” strength).

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as follows, for example.
The operation of changing the swing range R of the drum 11 according to the strength of the selected water flow and the operation of changing the rotation speed V of the drum 11 according to the strength of the selected water flow are integrated and controlled. You may do it. That is, as the strength of the selected water flow is weaker, the swing range R of the drum 11 is reduced and the rotation speed V is decreased. As the strength of the selected water flow is higher, the swing range R of the drum 11 is decreased. The rotation speed V may be increased while increasing the speed.

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine, 5 is a control device (water flow control means, water amount setting means), 6 is a water tank, 11 is a drum (rotary tank), and 45 is a water flow selection switch (selection means).

Claims (6)

A water tank capable of storing water disposed so that the axial direction is a lateral direction;
In the water tank, a rotating tank disposed rotatably so that the axial direction is a lateral direction;
Water flow control means for generating a water flow in the water in the water tank by swinging the rotating tank;
A selection means for selecting the strength of the water flow generated by the water flow control means, which is operated by a user;
The water flow control means standardizes the strength of the water flow by changing the rocking range of the rotating tank in the washing process or the rinsing process according to the strength of the water flow selected via the selection means. Washing machine characterized in that it is configured to be stronger and weaker than standard .
A water tank capable of storing water disposed so that the axial direction is a lateral direction;
In the water tank, a rotating tank disposed rotatably so that the axial direction is a lateral direction;
Water flow control means for generating a water flow in the water in the water tank by rotating the rotating tank;
A selection means for selecting the strength of the water flow generated by the water flow control means, which is operated by a user;
The water flow control means changes the rotation speed of the rotating tank in the washing process or the rinsing process according to the strength of the water flow selected through the selection means, thereby making the water flow strength from the standard. A washing machine characterized in that it is configured to be stronger and weaker than standard .
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water flow control means changes an acceleration time when the rotating tub is rotated when adjusting the strength of the water flow.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water flow control means provides a time during which the rotating tub is not rotated when adjusting the strength of the water flow.
  The water flow control means is configured to combine an operation of rotating the rotating tub so that the strength of the water flow can be adjusted and an operation of rotating the rotating tub so that the strength of the water flow becomes a predetermined strength. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the washing machine is provided.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a water amount setting unit that sets a large amount of water to be stored in the water tank when the water flow control unit adjusts the strength of the water flow to be weak. The washing machine according to item.

Images